Madagascar Travel Health Guide
High risk
Madagascar carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. Malaria risk exists throughout Madagascar except in the capital city Antananarivo where transmission is rare. Key travel vaccines: Measles, COVID-19, Hepatitis A.
Overall risk
High risk
Malaria
Present
Best time to visit
Year-round
Recommended vaccines
Measles
All travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with MMR vaccine at least 2 weeks before travel. Infants 6-11 months need an early dose.
Routine vaccines
Make sure all routine vaccines are up to date before traveling, including chickenpox, tetanus, flu, MMR, polio, and shingles vaccines.
COVID-19
Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines before traveling.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for all travelers to Madagascar. Special dosing applies for infants and high-risk travelers.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for travelers under 60. Those 60 and older may consider vaccination.
Typhoid
Typhoid vaccine is recommended for most travelers to Madagascar, especially if staying with locals or visiting smaller cities and rural areas.
Chikungunya
Chikungunya vaccine is generally not recommended. Focus on preventing mosquito bites instead.
Monkeypox
Monkeypox vaccine is recommended for travelers who may engage in certain high-risk sexual activities. Start vaccination at least 6 weeks before travel.
Rabies
Rabid dogs are common in Madagascar. Consider rabies vaccination before travel if you'll be around animals or in areas with limited medical facilities.
Yellow Fever
Yellow fever vaccine is not recommended for disease prevention in Madagascar, but is required for entry if coming from countries with yellow fever risk, including transit stops over 12 hours.
Disease risks
Malaria risk
Malaria is present in this destination. Prophylaxis medication is recommended.
Malaria risk exists throughout Madagascar except in the capital city Antananarivo where transmission is rare. Take antimalarial medication for all areas except Antananarivo. The parasites are resistant to chloroquine.
Emergency numbers
Police
117
Medical / Ambulance
124
Fire
118
U.S. Embassy
+261-20-23-480-00
More country guides
British Indian Ocean Territory carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. No malaria risk. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B.
Burundi carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. Malaria risk exists throughout Burundi year-round. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B.
Comoros carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. Malaria risk exists throughout Comoros. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B.
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Build my Trip KitSources: CDC Travelers' Health · WHO International Travel and Health. Last updated 2026-07-31. Health conditions and entry rules change — verify with the CDC, WHO and your destination’s authorities before travel. This page is informational and not a substitute for advice from a travel-medicine provider.